Combat - January/March, 2020 by GAWU

Issue #1 Volume #41

Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Editorial:

The fragility of our democracy

The events in the aftermath of the March 02, 2020 National and Regional Elections have gripped national attention and have shocked many right-thinking persons greatly. Prior to Election Day, there were quite a few who expressed the fear that attempts would be pursued to undermine the will of the people. Indeed, those fears raised apprehensions and must have caused more than a fair share of persons to pay even closer attention to the process. It could be argued that the level of scrutiny that was brought to bear to the process made any attempts to defile it even more difficult. Certainly, with what can be characterized as generally a smooth voting day, there was a feeling that the worst was left behind, and all we had to do was to wait for the results. Even the process of tabulation appeared, at the outset, to be running without much hitch, and soon enough, results began to trickle in. Not too long after, we began to get official declarations for the various administrative regions, with the exception of the most populous – Region #4. With the declarations completed for nine (9) of the ten (10) region, it appeared that the main Opposition – the PPP/C – would form the Government. This, of course, would be confirmed after the declaration from Region #4. It was at this point that things went awry. Several excuses were advanced seemingly with intent to delay the Region #4 declaration. Shenanigans such as deviating from the lawful procedure and a bomb threat were employed ostensibly to facilitate attempts to alter the results in apparent favour to the ruling Coalition. Those short-sighted and juvenile attempts, however, did not succeed, and this is where the process took what can be described as a nasty turn. With the verification/tabulation process incomplete, and to a loud chorus of dismay, a declaration was made, which when aggregated with the declarations from the other nine (9) regions, gave the incumbent Coalition a slight edge, and thus the electoral victory. However, before the process could move forward, the High Court approved an injunction which sought to overturn or restrain any declaration made. It was recognized that the Statements of Polls (SOPs), which are a representation of votes for each ballot box, had to be safeguarded. At this time, if there was any doubt, it became clearer that a plan was afoot to practically steal the election. Representatives from the opposition political parties who were sitting in the room with the SOPs were forcibly removed by members of the security forces, and the SOPs were locked away from the full view of the international and local observers, as well as the political parties. Continued on page two (2) COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2020

January-March, 2020

The democratic process must prevail – those forces who seek to subvert our will must be condemned

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), the major umbrella trade union organization in our nation, as a concerned national stakeholder, joins with the many individuals and organisations who have spoken out, as it is convinced that we are seeing unfolding actions by certain forces intent on nefariously snatching the will of the Guyanese people and trampling on their inalienable right to freely elect their leaders. We wish to remind that these important rights of Guyanese were not freely given, but were won through successive and successful struggles of our peoples. Those rights, like all our rights, are very much cherished, and we cannot remain silent when we see unvarnished attempts to simply take away or disregard any right from our peoples. The actions by these pseudo-leaders, some who hold themselves out as being pious and upstanding, demonstrates, in our view, that they have really no respect or even the scantest concern about the Guyanese people. Had they really cared about our peoples, they would have brought this charade to an end and allow the lawful, democratic process to unfold, as has been the position of nearly all and sundry. Rather, it appears to us, that they have their own nefarious ends in mind. At this time, they have essentially pushed our beautiful country to the precipice, and are gravely jeopardizing the advancements our country and peoples have made to rebuild and develop our dear land. We are warned that we risk being ostracized from the

rest of the world, and yet it seems, that without batting an eyelid, there are those who remain committed to their seeming plan of retaining political power no matter the cost. For the FITUG, those who seek to undermine our democracy cannot really have any place in our law-abiding and peace-loving society, and certainly must be condemned by current and future generations of Guyanese. The Federation remains convinced, at this time, that the active and passive players, their intellectual authors, and those who give tacit and implicit support will not succeed. We are saddened that those who claim to be champions of democracy and the rule of law have apparently lost their voices, or, from all appearances, are giving whole-hearted support to those diabolical forces that have only themselves at heart. This is indeed a disturbing turn of events, and reveals their character. We are of the firm view that, like in the past, the Guyanese people will win out and succeed in having their rights upheld and safeguarded. While it could be said that we are someway down the road, we believe that it is still not too late to retrieve our country and avoid the proverbial ton of bricks that could tumble down upon us. We urge that good sense, decency and honesty prevail, and those who are pushing us to a clearly undesirable state be reigned in without further delay. We of the FITUG join with all the democratic forces of our nation in urging an end to the delays and tomfoolery, and allow the will of our people to prevail and our rights to be respected. PAGE ONE

The fragility of our democracy Continued from page one (1) The actions by the supposedly independent Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) were condemned from all quarters. Many local organizations raised their voices in diagreement, and the international community expressed their outrage. In the meantime, the Chief Justice (CJ), in a speedy manner, listened to the judicial challenge and set aside the declaration made. The CJ ordered the GECOM to pursue the process in keeping with what is clearly spelt out in the Statutes. While there was some hope at this point, this was soon shattered as the GECOM officials again sought to defy the laws and the court’s direction, though the CJ had clarified what was meant. In spite of the CJ’s advice, the GECOM again, using an illegitimate process, declared results which largely represented what was declared in the first instance. This again attracted the ire of the opposition, much of civil society, and the international community. The country was warned that any Government formed on the basis of the improper results would be ostracized and, in all likelihood, would face a host of sanctions. Then, without almost any warning, it was announced that President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had agreed to a complete recount of all votes. The recount exercise would be supervised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). A high-level team from CARICOM was assembled, and arrived in the country in short order. At the time of this writing, the recount has been stymied. Incredibly and incredulously, a member of the President’s

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party approached the Court seeking judicial intervention to thwart the recount which the President himself advocated. It caused the CARICOM team to depart Guyana, and saw the Chairperson of the bloc, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Motley, to say that it appeared they are forces who are resisting the recount for inexplicable reason/s. It is felt that a credible recount, once the sanctity of the ballot boxes is safeguarded, would reveal the winner of the electoral contest. The obvious question that has arisen is why the Coalition is erecting every possible obstacle to delay or have the recount abandoned altogether. Certainly, a victor would seek to use every conceivable means to demonstrate its victory. Therefore, the actions of the incumbent Government are most shadowy. An attack on our democracy is a matter that should cause everyone to sit up and take notice. Our right to a franchise and to freely choose our leaders is a most scared right, and ought to be accorded the greatest of respect. The fact that there are those in our midst who seemingly have no regard for such rights is one great and grave concern. It obviously brings into question what other rights they would seek to disregard or ignore as they further what seems to be a power grab. The situation calls on all democracy-loving and right-thinking Guyanese to speak up and stand up. We cannot allow a right which was won through the struggles of the Guyanese people past and present, to be simply taken away. As we have done before, let us join the all-round struggles to protect our democracy and our democratic way-of-life.

GAWU 44 years as the voice of sugar workers in the fields and factories

The GAWU, on February 27th, observed forty-four (44) years since it became the recognized union of the thousands of workers who toil in the fields and factories of the sugar industry. The appending of the formal agreement between the Union and the then Sugar Producers Association (SPA), the forerunner to GuySuCo, marked the culmination of thirty (30) years of struggle by the workers and the GAWU to be accorded bargaining agent status. The struggle can be traced back to 1946, when the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) was established. Over the three decades of struggle, workers took part in several battles as they championed their call for the GAWU to be their representative union. It was a struggle that was intense at times, and saw the plantocracy, with the implicit and at times explicit support of the State, seeking to crush the workers’ resolve and desire. Indeed, the sugar workers and the Union faced difficult times, as intimidation, outright threats, and even incarcerations on flimsy excuses were used to daunt the workers and diminish their spirits. The struggle also bore martyrs as well as workers, and others felt the full unbridled wrath of the plantation owners and their proxies. Despite what were clearly obstacles after assaults were perpetuated against the workers, they remain committed and dedicated to their task and struggle, and ultimately won the right to choose a Union of their choice – the GAWU. In the now nearly four and a half decades since the Union became the workers bargaining agent, we remain proud of our accomplishments and victories. Over the years, with the support of the workers, the Union has been able to improve the workers’ lot, advance their gains, and enhance their conditions-of-work. We have stood with the workers in difficult times, and ensured that their rights were respected and their gains defended. We believe the workers have recognized our efforts, and continue to stand with us as we seek improvement for their well be-

ing. Since 2015, the workers and the Union have been engaged in an ongoing battle to safeguard their gains, protect their advancements, and maintain their way of life. In that period, the Coalition Government has sought to perpetrate several assaults on the sugar workers and the industry. The Government which, prior to its ascension to office, preached about the importance of the industry and committed to safeguarding workers’ jobs, has in the short but eventful period closed four sugar estates and put some 7,000 workers out on the breadline. Apart from that, longstanding workers’ benefits are being disregarded and the wage increases have been withheld until recently. While it has been a difficult period, the contemporary workers, like the generations before them, have demonstrated their militancy. They have not allowed the powers-that-be to cower or compel them into submission. They have stood up proudly and staunchly as they defended their livelihoods and protected what is so near and dear to them. They have caused others to stand up and take note, and to speak up in their defence. While it has not been an easy road over the last few years, the workers remain committed to their justified and principled struggle. Our Union, as in the past will continue to stand by them and to provide guidance and leadership. As the GAWU observes this milestone, we recall the inspiring chapters of workers’ struggle. We also recall the contribution of our leaders, especially Dr Cheddi Jagan, who, as Honorary President of the GAWU, provided leadership, guidance and advice during those difficult days and nights. We remember those comradesin-arms who stood with the GAWU and defended the workers against the machinations they faced and eventually overcame. Today our Union has a proud and rich history, which now spans over seventy (70) years in defence of workers and advancement of their rights and conditions. PAGE TWO

GAWU pickets Labour Department over inefficient functioning

Comrades of the Union picketing the Department of Labour over its laxity in addressing matters which are before it. Some matters have been infront of the Department for months at an end which seemingly no intent to bring them to resolution.

Approximately thirty (30) members of the GAWU on February 20 staged a picketing exercise outside of the Department of Labour, to register their strong concern regarding the functioning of the Department which has been taking an extensive time before matters referred to its attention can be addressed. Over the last two (2) years, our Union has had several matters taking an unusually lengthy period before they can be concluded. In fact, the Union, on more than one occassion, has spoken and written to the Department about several matters which are under its purview but remain inconclusive at this time. Despite commitments to have those matters resolved they remain outstanding. It was just recently that the Department concluded a matter which had been pending for several months; this followed several reminders and follow-ups by the Union. The seeming lethargic functioning of the Department’s for the Union, and more so the workers, most frustrating. It in effect could be seen as rendering the procedural agreements of unions ineffective as the Department is the next step if workers’ organizations and employers are unable to reach an agreement at the bilateral level. Thus, if matters remain stuck at the level of the Department, it therefore means that justice for the workers is essentially denied. As the arm of the State charged with upholding workers’ rights and protecting them from exploitative and unscrupulous practices, this cannot be seen as a healthy development. As a nation which can rightly boast of proud history of workers’ struggle which gave COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2020

rise to a host of workers’ rights, the Department’s functioning can only be seen as a retrogressive step which undermines our several advancements. Our Union, most recently recognizing that several matters remain unaddressed, wrote Senior Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, seeking to engage her with a view to bringing about some movement. Dismayingly, the Minister has so far not even acknowledged our correspondence. We are aware that a perennial cry we have heard from the Department relates to a lack of personnel, and skilled personnel to say the least. Indeed, our Union, which has been interacting with the now Department for many years, shares the view that there is a dearth of personnel, which undoubtedly is hamstringing it’s performance. We have recognized that this has reached acute proportions since the Department was demoted from a Ministry almost five years ago. While we believe that the Department is probably doing it’s best, given its limited resources, human and otherwise, vis-àvis its manifold responsibilities, it is incumbent on our policy-makers to arrest the situation and to meaningfully address shortcomings or shortages that may exist. The Labour Department, which we contend should really be a Ministry, plays a significant and important role, and serves as a refuge for our nation’s workers. It is most important that those who are in charge recognize this reality, and provide the necessary assistance and wherewithal to ensure that the Department can fully and adequately function and play its role.

New branch committees elected

Workers attending the Uitvlugt Branch Conference

In keeping with the Union’s Constitution, annual branch conferences were organised among the Union’s bargaining units. The Conferences review the work of the Union and the branch since the last conference, and is charged with electing a branch committee which would shepherd the work of the branch until the next branch conference in 2021. Below are the branchcommittees which have been elected: Uitvlugt Estate Chairman: Cde Lochan Khandai, Vice Chairman: Cde Deonandan, Secretary: Cde Awad Bhagwandin, Assistant Secretary: Odirie Jacobs, and Committee Members: Cdes Seecharran Ram, Helena Broomes, Chandine Deonarine, Abiola Morrison, Alita Johnson, Delroy Jones, and Rajnarine Persaud Blairmont Estate Chairman: Cde Julius Nurse, Vice Chairman: Cde Anil Sammy, Secretary: Cde Bhikram Singh, Assistant Secretary: Cde Yudhistirnauth Persaud, and Committee Members: Cdes Janice Moore, Abdool Subhan, Dindial Hemraj, Abdool, Romel Kandai, Balwant Singh, Devanand Indrepol, Fazil Bassalat, Anastacie Paul, Karamchand David, and Aikdishchand Mahadeo Albion Estate Chairman: Cde Hernie Park, Vice Chairman: Cde Stephen Indardat, Secretary: Cde Michael Indardat, Assistant Secretary: Cde Chandranauth Singh, and Committee Members: Cdes Parmashwari Baldeo, Odonna Corlette, Vishwanauth Ramcharitar, Nazir Hussein, Sandra Permaul, Victor McKenzie, Imran

Alimohamed, Orison Walcott, Andrew Veeren, Jagdat Ramsingh, and Moontaz Goolmohamed Berbice Bridge Company Inc Chairman: Cde Parmanand Mathur, Secretary: Cde Tagewattie Bharrat, Assistant Secretary: Cde Ryan Rampersaud, and Committee Members: Cdes Clint McPherson, David Persaud, Richard Samaroo, Reaz Latiff, Wazir Wazid, Myles Johnson, and Deonarine Ganga Persaud. Amazon Caribbean (Guyana) Limited Chairperson: Cde Fayan Gangoo, Vice Chairman: Cde Edell Britton, Secretary: Cde Mellissa Miller, Assistant Secretary: Casey Smith, and Committee Members: Cdes Luketisha Ward, Gilbert Fraser, Eric Benjamin, Nicola Babb, Shemela Vyphuis, and Lucille Semple Noble House Seafoods Limited Chairperson: Cde Annette Wiltshire, Vice Chairperson: Cde Pelesa Leslie, Secretary: Cde Dian McArthur, Assistant Secretary: Cde Melissa Thompson, and Committee Members: Cdes Juanita Thomas, Akeela Wahab, Andrea Williams, Roxanne Boutrin, and Bevilie Whittaker National Parks Commission Chairman: Cde Michael Blackman, Vice Chairman: Cde Dick Squires, Secretary: Cde Nykesie Rodney, Assistant Secretary: Cde Christine Comacho, and Committee Members: Cdes Donald Mahadeo, Leslie James, and Cesiree Fordyce.

PAGE THREE

Venezuela’s coronavirus response might surprise you Why is Venezuela doing so much better than its neighbours in the region?

byLeonardo Flores Within a few hours of being launched, over 800 Venezuelans in the U.S. registered for an emergency flight from Miami to Caracas through a website run by the Venezuelan Government. This flight, offered at no cost, was proposed by President Nicolás Maduro when he learned that 200 Venezuelans were stuck in the United States following his government’s decision to stop commercial flights as a preventative measure to fight coronavirus. The promise of one flight expanded to two or more flights as it became clear that many Venezuelans in the U.S. wanted to go back to Venezuela, yet the situation remains unresolved due to the U.S. ban on flights to and from the country. Those who rely solely on the mainstream media might wonder who in their right mind would want to leave the United States for Venezuela. Numerous outlets—including TIME magazine, the Washington Post, The Hill, the Miami Herald, and others—published opinions in the past week describing Venezuela as a chaotic nightmare. These media outlets painted a picture of a coronavirus disaster, of government incompetence, and of a nation teetering on the brink of collapse. The reality of Venezuela’s coronavirus response is not covered by the mainstream media at all. Furthermore, what each of these articles shortchanges is the damage caused by the Trump Administration’s sanctions which devastated the economy and healthcare system long before the coronavirus pandemic. These sanctions have impoverished millions of Venezuelans, and negatively impacted vital infrastructure such as electricity generation. Venezuela is impeded from importing spare parts for its power plants, and the resulting blackouts interrupt water services that rely on electric pumps. These, along with dozens of other implications from the hybrid war on Venezuela, have caused a decline in health indicators across the board, leading to 100,000 deaths as a consequence of the sanctions. Regarding coronavirus specifically, the sanctions raise the costs of testing kits and medical supplies, and ban Venezuela’s government from purchasing medical equipment COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2020

from the U.S. ( a n d from many European countries). These obstac l e s would seemingly place Ve n e zuela on the p a t h to a wors t c a s e scenario, similar to Iran (also battered by sanctions) or Italy (battered by austerity and neoliberalism). In contrast to those two countries, Venezuela took decisive steps early on to face the pandemic. As a result of these steps and other factors, Venezuela is currently in its best-case scenario. At time of writing, 11 days after the first confirmed case of coronavirus, the country has 86 infected people, with 0 deaths. Its neighbours have not fared as well: Brazil has 1,924 cases with 34 deaths; Ecuador 981 and 18; Chile 746 and 2; Peru 395 and 5; Mexico 367 and 4; Colombia 306 and 3. (With the exception of Mexico, those governments have all actively participated and contributed to the U.S.-led regime change efforts in Venezuela.) Why is Venezuela doing so much better than others in the region? Skeptics will claim that the Maduro government is hiding figures and deaths, that there’s not enough testing, not enough medicine, not enough talent to adequately deal with a pandemic. But here are the facts: First, international solidarity has played a priceless role in enabling the government to rise to the challenge. China sent coronavirus diagnostic kits that would allow 320,000 Venezuelans to be tested, in addition to a team of experts and tons of supplies. Cuba sent 130 doctors and 10,000 doses of interferon alfa-2b, a drug with an established record of helping COVID-19 patients recover. Russia has sent the first of several shipments of medical equipment and kits. These three countries, routinely characterized by the U.S. foreign policy establishment as evil, offer solidarity and material support. The United States imposed more sanctions and the IMF, widely known to be under U.S. control, denied a Venezuelan request for $5 billion in emergency funding that even the European Union supports. Second, the government quickly carried out a plan to contain the spread of the disease. On March 12, a day before the first confirmed cases, President Maduro decreed a health emergency, prohibited crowds from gathering, and cancelled flights from Europe and Colombia. On March 13, Day 1, two Venezuelans tested positive.

The government cancelled classes; began requiring facemasks on subways and on the border; closed theaters, bars and nightclubs, and limited restaurants to take-out or delivery. It bears repeating that this was on Day 1 of having a confirmed case; many U.S. states have yet to take these steps. By Day 4, a national quarantine was put into effect (equivalent to shelter-in-place orders) and an online portal called the Homeland System (Sistema Patria) was repurposed to survey potential COVID-19 cases. By Day 8, forty-two people were infected and approximately 90% of the population was heeding the quarantine. By Day 11, over 12.2 million people had filled out the survey, over 20,000 people who reported being sick were visited in their homes by medical professionals, and 145 people were referred for coronavirus testing. The government estimates that without these measures, Venezuela would have 3,000 infected people and a high number of deaths. Third, the Venezuelan people were positioned to handle a crisis. Over the past 7 years, Venezuela has lived through the death of wildly popular leader, violent right-wing protests, an economic war characterized by shortages and hyperinflation, sanctions that have destroyed the economy, an ongoing coup, attempted military insurrections, attacks on public utilities, blackouts, mass migration, and threats of U.S. military action. The coronavirus is a different sort of challenge, but previous crises have instilled a resiliency among the Venezuelan people and strengthened solidarity within communities. There is no panic on the streets; instead, people are calm and following health protocols. Fourth, mass organizing and prioritizing people above all else. Communes and organized communities have taken the lead, producing facemasks, keeping the CLAP food supply system running (this monthly food package reaches 7 million families), facilitating house-by-house visits of doctors, and encouraging the use of facemasks in public. Over 12,000 medical school students in their last or second-to-last year of study applied to be trained for house visits. For its part, the Maduro Administration suspended rent payments, instituted a nationwide firing freeze, gave bonuses to workers, prohibited telecoms from cutting off people’s phones or internet, reached an agreement with hotel chains to provide 4,000 beds in case the crisis escalates, and pledged to pay the salaries of employees of small and medium businesses. Amid a public health crisis - compounded by an economic crisis and sanctions - Venezuela’s response has been to guarantee food, provide free healthcare and widespread testing, and alleviate further economic pressure on the working class. The U.S. Government has not responded to the Maduro Administration’s request to make an exception for Conviasa Airlines, the national airline under sanctions, to fly the Venezuelans stranded in the United States back to Caracas. Given everything happening in the United States, where COVID-19 treatment can cost nearly $35,000 and the government is weighing the option of prioritizing the economy over the lives of people, perhaps these Venezuelans waiting to go home understand that their chances of surviving the coronavirus—both physically and economically—are much better in a country that values health over profits.

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No worker must lose their job! - WFTU

Human Rights Groups welcome ICC probe of US torture and war crimes in Afghanistan

by Jessica Corbett

The World Federation of Trade Unions, on behalf of its 100 million members all over the world, expresses its support to the workers around the globe who are facing consequences on their health and risk on their working rights because of the Coronavirus outbreak, which now records a large number of cases and deaths. We urge the governments to immediately take all necessary measures to ensure life and health of workers, as well as the protection of their labour rights. Our large, class-oriented trade union family underlines the heroic contribution of health-care workers and scientists inside the hospitals, and other services who are striving to protect the lives of workers and all people under exhausting conditions and in poor and inadequate health systems. We are finding out the very big gaps in health systems as a result of states’ underfunding and commercialization policies that do not consider healthcare and prevention as a global right, but as a commodity generating immense profits for health and pharmaceutical industries. The miserable and even non-existent health structures in African, Asian, Latin American countries expose workers to a serious threat due to the pandemic. The workers must not pay for the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the global economy with measures such as layoffs in sectors like tourism, work from home, and even more flexible working hours. We demand: 1. Recruitment of permanent medical and nursing staff, as well as creation COMBAT

Jan-Mar, 2020

of new public health structures. 2. All public services must be fully equipped with the necessary disinfection and protection material, provided by the state for free to the population. 3. Additional days off work with full remuneration and insurance must be secured for:- Workers who are ill; workers who are forced to abstain from work because of emergency preventive measures, and those who are called to take care of a sick child or an elderly member of their family; those who have to stay with their children at home, due to the preventive closure of schools and nurseries. 4. Substantial and adequate protection measures in all workplaces. 5. The profiteering of multinationals and monopolies against the popular strata must be crushed. In the age of rapid technological development and advancement, there are all the scientific and productive possibilities for the effective tackling and protection of the peoples from epidemics. Instead, workers and the popular strata are suffering from the consequences of the barbaric capitalist system, and are exposed to risks against their own lives and the survival of their families. We demand that all states, governments and international organizations assume without any delay complete and substantial measures for the prevention and protection of health and life of workers and the peoples, as well as for the protection of their working rights by the effect of measures that are announced.

Human rights advocates celebrated after the International Criminal Court determined that an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by United States forces and others in Afghanistan during the so-called War on Terror can proceed. The ICC’s Appeals Chamber unanimously overturned an April 2019 Pre-Trial Chamber decision that denied a November 2017 request from Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to formally investigate crimes committed by members of the U.S. armed forces, the CIA, the Taliban, affiliated armed groups, and Afghan government forces. The approved scope of the probe also includes crimes committed as part of the U.S. torture program at CIA black sites in Poland, Lithuania, and Romania. “The International Criminal Court breathed new life into the mantra that ‘no one is above the law’ and restored some hope that justice can be available—and applied—to all,” declared Katherine Gallagher, senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights. Her organization represents two men who were tortured in CIA black sites and other facilities, and currently are being held indefinitely at the Guantánamo Bay detention camp in Cuba. “This decision is welcome news to everyone who believes that the perpetrators of war crimes should not enjoy impunity, no matter how powerful they are,” said Preetha Gopalan, head of U.K. litigation for the group Reprieve, which represents other victims before the ICC. Despite the ICC’s green light to proceed with the investigation, holding any Americans accountable will likely prove difficult, given that the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations all refused to formally recognize the Hague-based court which prosecutes perpetrators of

war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Although the ICC officially has jurisdiction over crimes committed by U.S. actors within countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, President Donald Trump—infamous for granting clemency to Americans accused of war crimes— isn’t expected to allow any U.S. cooperation with the court’s investigation, based on his administration’s efforts to quash the probe. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo boasted in August 2019 that the Trump administration’s bullying tactics had blocked an ICC probe. In 2018, John Bolton, who then served as Trump’s national security adviser, vowed: “We won’t cooperate with the ICC. We will provide no assistance to the ICC. And we certainly will not join the ICC. We will let the ICC die on its own... If the court comes after us, we will not sit quietly.” Pompeo blasted the Appeals Chamber’s decision in a statement, saying, “This is a truly breathtaking action by an unaccountable political institution, masquerading as a legal body.” The secretary noted the move came just days after the administration signed a deal with the Taliban and that United State is not party to the ICC, and promised that “we will take all necessary measures to protect our citizens from this renegade so-called court.” The New York Times reported that the ICC’s decision brought hope for some Afghan civilians, including Masih Ur-Rahman Mubarez, whose wife, seven children, and four other relatives were killed in a U.S. airstrike targeting Taliban members in September. “I will never find peace of mind,” said Mubarez. “But if the ICC punishes Americans who killed my children, I will be happy.”

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Labour Dept upholds Blairmont factory workers protest

The Department of Labour, on February 12, finally delivered its findings and recommendations regarding claims by workers of Blairmont factory over what they felt was discriminatory treatment meted out to them. In October last year, the workers protested after a former manager who was re-employed as an artisan was promoted and capable and able factory workers with several yearsof-service were bypassed for promotion. While the workers hadn’t any aversion to the promoted worker, they contended that the long-standing system for promotion was deviated from, and they sought that the system be adhered to in the interest of fairness. The Union had pointed out that the Corporation disregarded its own Personnel Manual, which clearly spelt out the process for promotion. The GuySuCo, in response, astonishingly said it had the right to ignore its own policy. Apart from that, the GAWU demonstrated that the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes was also disobeyed by the Corporation. Notwithstanding what we felt were convincing and rational arguments, the sugar company adamantly refused to budge. The situation saw the workers taking protest actions, as they undoubtedly felt they were in the right. The continued action by the workers resulted in the intervention of the Department of Labour, which convened conciliatory proceedings. At the conciliatory level, the Union reiterated what it said at the bilateral level, and contended that the company was clearly in the wrong and the workers themselves had been wronged. After several months and a number of reminders from the Union, the Labour Department on Wednesday invited the parties to present its findings. The conciliator, Francis Carryl, in his report found that the CorCOMBAT Jan-Mar, 2020

poration did not abide by its own policy. Furthermore, he concluded that the GuySuCo disregarded the legally-binding agreement between the Union and the Corporation. Using several precedents, the conciliator was critical of the Corporation’s actions and recommended that the promotion of the worker in question be rescinded. The GAWU, which has just received the full report of the conciliator, is currently considering his findings and recommendations. Prior to the Labour Department making its views known, the Corporation, without any explanation, had transferred the worker-in-question to Albion estate. Indeed, the Labour Department, through its findings, has upheld the justness of the workers’ struggle to be treated equitably and fairly. For the GAWU, it was upsetting that the workers again had to struggle in order to be treated with respect, and for the system developed in their interest to be embraced. It is yet another reminder of the dim regard some have for worker’s principled concerns. We sincerely believe the entire episode could have been avoided; however, the Corporation, though having no valid rationale, held on adamantly to what has now been found to be a wrong stand. For us, we cannot comprehend why the Corporation went to such lengths, though it must have known that its position could not have withstood even the flimsiest of scrutiny? It would be interesting to know what its motivation/s were. As we consider the entire incident, we recalled the GuySuCo, according to the January 03, Stabroek News, was critical of the workers of Blairmont Estate for their stance. However, as time has ultimately demonstrated, it was the Corporation that should accept wrong-doing and responsibility for the entire state-of-affairs.

GAWU remembers Kowsilia

The GAWU recalled the heroic sacrifice of Kowsilia, a/k Alice, at a simple wreath laying and tribute exercise at her gravesite at the Anna Catherina Cemetery, West Coast Demerara on March 05, 2020. The activity, which saw a number of persons attending, was done to coincide with Kowsilla’s 56th Death Anniversary. At the exercise, a number of wreaths were placed on Kowsilla’s tomb and tributes were paid by GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine; FITUG General Secretary Dawchan Nagasar, and Region #3 Chairman Julius Faerber. Kowsilla, a humble housewife, was an executive of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) women’s arm – the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) – branch at Leonora. The workers of Leonora Sugar Estate took strike action on February 17, 1964 regarding the refusal of the estate management to provide work to workers who participated in a nationwide protest against the imposition of the Proportional Representation electoral system. The workers, on their return, were told they should go make placards for Dr Jagan. As the strike continued, the workers also called for the recognition of GAWU. The strike attracted wide support, and saw the support of non-sugar workers too. On the faithful day –March 06, 1964 – Kowsilla joined sugar workers and others to squat on the bridge leading to the estate’s factory. They were seeking to prevent scabs from entering the estate to

perform the jobs of the striking workers. Despite the shouts of protest from the estate authority to remove from the bridge, about a dozen women, among others, resisted and sat on that high bridge. This led to the estate manager ordering a tractor to drive onto the bridge. The fast pace of the tractor saw Kowsilla being crushed to death and two other women, Jagdai and Daisee Sookram, suffering broken backs and being crippled for life. Another of the squatting women, Kisson Dai, lost one kidney and had broken hips, and more had to be treated for other serious injuries. The events of March 06, 1964 were not merely a group of essentially women who decided to sit on an estate bridge, but rather, a resistance movement in full agitation against the powerful plantocracy, and Guyanese who aligned with it subtly because they opposed Dr Jagan and his supporters in Leonora. It was more than a case of the “native” taking on the “outsider”. Ever since Kowsilla’s death, now 55 years ago, the GAWU has organized a simple wreath-laying and tribute exercise at her gravesite at the Anna Catherina cemetery. The GAWU and the sugar workers owe an immense debt to Kowsilia and keeping her memory alive is another reminder of the sacrifice and struggle the workers waged as they sought to have their right for a choice of their Union respected.

PAGE SIX

After 5 years of struggle:

GuySuCo offers sugar workers pay rise - retroactive period a major sticking point

ed that the Corporation examine settling the retroactive payments to sugar workers through installments during this year. We put forward that a reasonable timetable could be agreed between the Union and the Corporation. We urged that our suggestion be given serious consideration and contemplation, taking into account the GuySuCo’s acceptance that our discussions concerned the year 2019. We also drew to the Corporation’s attention that its land was being sold by NICIL at

high costs, and representation should be furthered to obtain support to offset the payments to the workers. At this time, the Union and the Corporation are to continue discussions, however, the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, which has reached our shores, has, for the time being, preventing continued discussions, given the assembly of a number of persons.

As we remember Dr Jagan our country’s heart bleeds Years of struggle by sugar workers bore fruit when the GuySuCo, at an engagement with the GAWU on February 07, 2020, communicated that, arising out of Union representation, it had approved a pay increase for sugar workers. Sugar workers have since 2015 engaged in a continuous struggle to be treated equally with their counterparts in other sectors of the State, and to be awarded an increase in pay. That struggle saw the workers on many occasions taking part in protest and picketing exercises outside of the sugar estates, the GuySuCo Head Office, the President’s office and the National Assembly. Along with those struggles, workers well as staged vigil activities to call attention to their plight, and thousands of them also subscribed to a petition calling on President Granger to intervene positively in the matter. These are among the spirited activities that the sugar workers participated in and led as they sought to bring attention to their plight. The workers were staunch in their demand for a deserving pay increase, as they maintained that they were discriminated against, having last benefitted from a raise in pay in 2014. Many workers recalled that the Coalition, during the 2015 elections campaign, had committed pay rises in the region of 20 per cent. That undertaking was dashed as the Coalition, after attaining office, turned its back on the sugar industry and its thousands of workers and perpetuated a wage freeze during its years in office. The workers, during that period, had demonstrated how the pay freeze had pushed them and their families closer to the poverty line, as they were crushed by the heavy cost-ofliving. They had to find innovative means to make life’s ends meet, as their nominal COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2020

and real wages declined and their ever scarce dollars were not going as far as they previously could. It indeed was and is a difficult time, and one wherein many sacrifices had to be made though they continued to give of their best. The invitation for the Union/Corporation meeting came less than 24 hours after workers again gathered in front of the President’s office to reiterate their demand for a rise-in-pay. At the February 07 meeting, GuySuCo informed that it approved a 5 per cent pay rise for piece-rated employees; an $18 per hour increase for time-rated employees and a $4,000 per month increase for foremen and chargehands. Subsequent discussions between the parties saw the Corporation amending its offer for time-rated employees to $20 per hour. The major sticking point remains the period of retroactivity. The Corporation is seeking to have the new rates-of-pay implemented with effect from January 01, this year. The Union and the workers, on the other hand, are strongly contending that the increases ought to be implemented with effect from January 01, 2019. Our demand took into account that the discussions between the GAWU and the GuySuCo originated from the Union’s 2019 claims, and thus any improvement ought to be implemented from that time. We pointed out to GuySuCo that agreements on non-wage matters were implemented from January 01, 2019, and therefore we only seek that the precedent and practice be abided with. The Corporation, for its part, has acknowledged that indeed our discussions flowed from the Union’s 2019 proposals, but has shared that it hadn’t the financial wherewithal to meet the retroactive payments for 2019. The Union, on that score, has suggest-

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on March 06 paid tribute to the memory and recalled the immense contribution of the Father of the Nation, Dr Cheddi Jagan. His contribution to our country and our people is undeniable and outstanding. During his lifetime, he was a staunch ally of the working-class. He used several fora to champion their call, to speak on their behalf, and to highlight their plight. He served in many trade unions, and was the Honorary President of our Union for many years. In his years of association, he brought to bear his considerable experience and wide knowledge to the struggles of the sugar workers. During that time, the struggle for GAWU’s recognition reached a high pitch and a 30-year battle was won. Dr Jagan will also be remembered as one of the fiercest supporters of the restoration of democracy and consolidation of our nation’s democratic practices. His consistent call for the return of free and fair elections stands out as one of his most sterling contributions to our nation. He always saw the importance of upholding democratic principles in order for

our country to succeed and our people to prosper. As we consider our present-day situation, we are reminded of what Cde Cheddi said in 1967. He said “…I must state my fears about future prospects for democracy and freedom. As the government loses more support from its rank and file disillusioned supporters, it will resort to force and fraud to remain in power… The present government… will no doubt attempt to remain in power by hook or crook. But whatever they do, I have every certainty that we will win in the end.” As we remember Dr Jagan and we consider the new challenges, we must face up to at this time, we again recall his meaningful words. On April 26, 1963 he said, “The people are indestructible. You may beat them, gag them, detain them, imprison them, shoot and toll the bell for them, but they will rise again, not mysteriously, but inevitably. And we who speak for them and voice their aspirations will never be silenced.” Dr Jagan left an indelible mark on our people and nation. His legacy will inspire us in our current struggles, and like in his era, we will once again overcome.

PAGE SEVEN

2020 first crop commences industry targets itself to production 114,162 tonnes sugar in 2020

This year (2020), the GuySuCo has set itself to produce 114,162 tonnes sugar during its two (2) crops. The first (spring) crop, the smaller of the two crops, begin in mid-February would continue up until the end of April or the early weeks of May whereas the second (autumn) crop would commence around mid-August and can go last until the year-end holiday season. This year’s production target, if realized, would represent a 26.5 per cent improvement when compared with 2019’s actual production. Our Union, in a press statement, a few weeks ago pointed out that such a large rise in production has not been realized in recent times. We indicated that sugar production fell in 2016 by 26 per cent when compared to the 2015, in 2017 it fell by 33.5 per cent when compared to 2016, in 2018 it fell by 31.2 per cent when compared to 2017, and in 2019 it fell by 16 per cent when compared to 2018. While, we are indeed hopeful that the target can be met, we, at the same time, will not hold our proverbial breath. In considering this year’s production, we must also recognize that the industry ended 2019 with some some 151,000 tonnes of harvestable canes which it said could not have been harvested for different reasons. Those canes it surmised were capable of producing 17,000 tonnes sugar. To realise what the Corporation said was/ is possible, it would mean that approximately 9 tonnes of canes would be required to produce a tonne of sugar. This, from our own knowledge, is simply not realistic. During the 2019 second crop, on average it required 11.81 tonnes of cane to produce a tonne sugar at Albion, 12.95 at Blairmont, and 13.58 at Uitvlugt. Of course, whether the Corporation has the canes it says it has is another question. The Company, according to the January 03, Stabroek News, said “…1981 hectares that could not be harvested…”. In other words, the GuySuCo is indicating that cane yields were 76.24 tonnes cane per hectare. This compares to cane yields of 66.64 tonnes per hectare at Albion, 69.78 at Blairmont, and 71.78 at Uitvlugt during the 2019 second crop. This obviously places into doubt what is envisaged.

Apart f r o m t h o s e concerns, we remain apprehensive about the functioning of the factories. The Corporation did acknowle d g e that its factories s u f fe re d maj or mechanical failu r e s during the 2019 second crop. From information we received, it is understood that not much was done during the out-of-crop period to meaningfully address these shortcomings. Workers have shared with us that defective components in need of replacement were simply removed, serviced, where possible, and re-installed. It gives us little hope that there will be much improvement and that the situation will be vastly different from what prevailed during the last crop. The Corporation, at a subsequent engagement, expressed critical views of our analysis and sought to throw cold water over our principled concerns and conclusions. While the GuySuCo personnel were somewhat boisterous in sharing their view, they could not have identified any flaws in our analysis. Rather, in our view, a feeble explanation was proffered, as the sugar company charged that its assumptions were below those contained in its Strategic Plan, which was updated in November,

last year. On that score, we had to remind the GuySuCo officials that though being briefed on the contours of the plan, our written request to obtain a full copy to comprehensively analyze what the industry hopes to achieve still remains unfulfilled. Alas, what the GAWU expressed concern about seemed to come to reality, as we learnt that the Uitvlugt Estate factory suffered extensive periods of breakdown since the crop commenced. As at week ending March 21, 2020, the Uitvlugt factory, for the crop thus far, could not operate for some 238 hours owing to breakdowns occasioned by faulty and defective equipment and components. To put the breakdowns into context, they are equivalent to nearly two (2) weeks of operations and, undoubtedly will see that estate going beyond its scheduled cropping weeks if it is to realize its target. As at week ending March 21, 2020, sugar production for the crop stood at 14,853 tonnes sugar, though it should have been 18,605 tonnes, a deficit of just over 20 per cent. Production at the individual estates was as follows:Estate AN BCF ICBU Total

Target Production w/e 21/03/20 w/e 21/03/20 7.770 5,578 4,898 4,795 5,937 4,480 18,605 14,853

Difference (2,192) (103) (1,457) (3,752)

Our Union has, on many occasions, lamented the functioning of the industry and the lack of capital investment to improve its viability though billions of dollars have been borrowed and accruing interest for the very purpose. It is very disturbing that, it appears, those who have charge for the industry apparently lack concern or compassion and are allowing the industry to continue to slide. Such a situation is certainly not in the interest of the country, given the circumstances of our times.

COMBAT IS A PUBLICATION OF THE GUYANA AGRICULTURAL & GENERAL WORKERS UNION (GAWU) 59 HIGH STREET & WIGHTS LANE, KINGSTON, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, S.A. TEL: 592-227-2091/2; 225-5321 , 223-6523 FAX: 592-227-2093 EMAIL: INFO@GAWUGY.COM WEBSITE: WWW.GAWUGY.COM